I originally gave this book only two stars, but decided the reader of this review, if used to the usual scale of ambition among Filipino novels, mightI originally gave this book only two stars, but decided the reader of this review, if used to the usual scale of ambition among Filipino novels, might misunderstand me.

You see, I'm convinced this book is a milestone for Philippine books, earning it a place in the history of Philippine storytelling. And when I give it 2 stars, I do so on a scale that has Orson Scott Card and Ursula leGuin at the 5-star mark. Karen Francisco's opus, while in many ways technically flawed, is good enough that to not place it on a scale with the greats would do it a disservice -- although on such a scale it might not score as highly as it otherwise might. Francisco's narrative has ambition, chutzpah, and with some editing, an appeal capable of crossing ethnic or national boundaries.

For further editing later: Though dated in parts, this treatise on the forms of love is among the most beloved of Lewis' philosophical works. Like I sFor further editing later: Though dated in parts, this treatise on the forms of love is among the most beloved of Lewis' philosophical works. Like I said, I'll write a more detailed review later....more

"The task of the modern educator," Lewis writes in this book on Education and values, "is not to cut down forests, but to irrigate deserts. The right"The task of the modern educator," Lewis writes in this book on Education and values, "is not to cut down forests, but to irrigate deserts. The right defense against false sentiments is to inculcate just sentiments. By starving the sensibility of our pupils we only make them easier prey to the propagandist when he comes. For famished nature will be avenged and a hard heart is no infallible protection against a soft head."

You can build an entire curricular philosophy out of that one paragraph. And this book is just full of such gems. A must-read for every educator, writer, broadcaster, blogger, social media practitioner, or other communicator out there.

I was doing pre-writing research for my first novel, Mag-Ahon, when my research assistant first found out about this book. Given that there's not muchI was doing pre-writing research for my first novel, Mag-Ahon, when my research assistant first found out about this book. Given that there's not much out there in terms of comprehensive literature on the many facets of Laguna de Bay, this collection of articles was shockingly well-researched, and well thought out.

My particular favorites are Bambi Harper's chapter "Our Ancestors by the Lake", Ed Lapiz' "Rizal's Laguna," and Ambeth Ocampo's "Rizal and Mariang Makiling," providing a historical view of Laguna Lake, and Grace Odal Devora's "'Bae' or 'Bai': The Lady of the Lake" which explores the various mythical motifs associated with Laguna de Bay.

It's rather hard to find in the bookstores now, and it's taken me three years to find all three of Alejandro's Water Series Trilogy books (the other two being "Pasig:River of Life" and "Manila Bay:The Crossroads of Asia"), and the effort has been well worth it.

I consider this piece among the most important reference books in my Filipiniana library. Not small praise from someone whose book collection now fills two offices.

If you find a copy of this book on sale, buy it. It's expensive, but well worth it.

Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta.Maria have created in Skyworld what I think is the most promising re-interpretation of Filipino myths since Mythology ClassMervin Ignacio and Ian Sta.Maria have created in Skyworld what I think is the most promising re-interpretation of Filipino myths since Mythology Class. Calling film production outfits! Once the seriesis complete, this work definitely deserves to be adapted as a movie!

Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta.Maria have created in Skyworld what I think is the most promising re-interpretation of Filipino myths since Mythology ClassMervin Ignacio and Ian Sta.Maria have created in Skyworld what I think is the most promising re-interpretation of Filipino myths since Mythology Class. Calling film production outfits! Once the seriesis complete, this work definitely deserves to be adapted as a movie!